About the same time every year, I get tired of the snow and am ready for springtime. February is the month I usually get the winter blues.
The holidays are over and the snow has lost its fun. It’s just cold and yucky and miserable.
I long for warm days where I can sit in my garden and listen to the birds chirp. I get tired of bringing in wood for the wood stove and I’m ready to open my windows and let the fresh air in.
So how do you fight the winter blues? Grow something.
So this week I decided to get my herb garden going again. I decided to use seeds because they are cheaper. So I got the supplies together and started this fun mason jar herb garden.
Mason Jar Herb Garden Instructions:
This project is so fun because it combines two of my favorite things: mason jars and gardening.
First, I used mason jars I already had around the house, but if you don’t have any you can get them here.
Next, I used gravel on the bottom of the jars (for drainage) so the roots don’t rot.
Then, I used this chalk tape and this chalk marker.
Finally, I started with seeds, because that is what I had on hand. If you wanted to you could go to the nursery and buy herb plants. I used my canning funnel to make the job a little cleaner. I think they turned out so cute.
Why did I use these herbs? I use them in my cooking and canning.
Here is some information about the benefits of these herbs:
Parsley-Used as a garnish in cooking, it can also help with bad breath.
Dill-I used dill in my homemade pickles. It can also be used to alleviate hiccups and help with diarrhea.
Oregano-A staple in italian and mexican cooking, oregano is a natural bug repellant and aids in skin conditions such as psoriasis, dandruff and fungal infections.
Basil-One of the most popular herbs for cooking, basil also acts as an anti-inflammatory and deodorizer.
Chives-Provides a refreshing onion flavor as well as a natural antibiotic.
Cilantro-This one is my favorite for its yummy taste in my homemade salsa. It can also be used for its high level of vitamin C and for digestion aid.
To find out more about herb gardening, check out this post –> Growing Herbs Indoors: The Beginner’s Guide.
Hopefully this project will help you get your hands dirty and your mind ready for gardening season, even if it is still cold and snowy outside. Plus, fresh herbs smell and taste amazing!
How do you escape the winter blues? Do you enjoy herb gardening? I would love to hear about it in the comments below! Thanks!